Lord Goldsmith said: “This is not about an English QC going to Singapore to make money. We want to take on the case because we believe this is an important issue.”

He added: “There are still over 70 countries where homosexuality is illegal. Gay men and women are still living in fear of being imprisoned. I am hoping that I will be admitted to act on the case together with the Singaporean counsel, bringing my experience in this area and the international comparison of law.”

Lord Goldsmith will learn in August if the High Court in Singapore will allow him permission to enter the country in order to represent Mr Lim and Mr Chee.

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